Social comparisons in adults with type 2 diabetes: Patients' reasons for target selection. Issue 7 (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arigo, Danielle; Cornell, Max; Smyth, Joshua M.
• Is Part Of: Psychology & health. Volume 33:Issue 7(2018)
• Page Start: 906
• Page End: 924
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: social comparison -- type 2 diabetes -- chronic illness -- mood -- self-care motivation; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; Attitude to Health -- Periodicals; Public Opinion -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2018.1432759
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-0446

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To examine reasons for selecting a social comparison target (i.e. a specific other for relative self-evaluation), and their influence on affect and motivation for self-care, in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Design: Adults with T2DM ( n = 180, M A 1 c = 7.6%) chose to read about one of four targets. Participants rated five reasons for their choice (strongly disagree – strongly agree), and rated affect and self-care motivation before and after reading. Results: To boost confidence in my ability to manage diabetes was rated highest overall ( p s < 0.01), though choosing worse-off (vs. better-off) targets was associated with to gain useful information about how to improve ( p = 0.04, = 0.05) . Selection in order to feel better worked for those who chose better-off targets; choosing worse-off targets for this purpose worsened mood and stress ( p s < 0.04, s = 0.02). Choosing worse-off targets to learn about similar others reduced self-care motivation ( p < 0.01, = 0.05). Selection in order to boost confidence showed increased motivation only among those who chose better-off targets ( p = 0.01). Conclusions: Patients' reasons for a particular comparison are associated with short-term changes in affect and self-care motivation, and warrant greater empirical and clinical attention.